3:01In an aerial perspective, the State Capitol is observed on August 14, 2025, in Austin, Texas. Brandon Bell/Getty Images
On Monday evening, the redistricting committee of the Texas House of Representatives voted out a revised version of a bill featuring suggested new congressional maps after reviewing a version that included some modifications from the originally proposed maps.
This prepares the bill for consideration on the House floor once the House’s calendar committee schedules it, indicating that the new maps are poised to progress.
Earlier on Monday, the Texas House achieved a quorum after Democrats returned to Austin, concluding a two-week standoff with Republicans over proposed congressional maps, which could potentially enable Republicans to secure up to five additional House seats in the upcoming year.
Subsequently, the House referred the updated version of the bill that incorporates new congressional maps back to the redistricting committee, a procedural requirement due to the commencement of a new legislative session. The House did not conduct any votes and adjourned until Wednesday.
President Donald Trump urged Texas Republicans to revise their congressional maps, while Governor Greg Abbott convened a special session to address redistricting and other matters. On Monday, the president called on legislators to pass the new maps “ASAP!”
"This is one of the most favored initiatives I have ever endorsed. Republicans take pleasure in seeing us advocate for a Great Cause. Please approve this Map, ASAP," Trump stated in a post on his social media platform.
Burrows mentioned that civil arrest warrants remain active for Democratic members who obstructed the House from achieving a quorum in recent weeks.
In an aerial perspective, the State Capitol is observed on August 14, 2025, in Austin, Texas. Brandon Bell/Getty Images
"The House has experienced a challenging two weeks, but this institution has existed long before us and will continue beyond our time," Burrows remarked. "Representatives come and go, issues rise and fall, but this assembly has survived wars, economic downturns, and quorum breaks dating back to its very first session. It will endure this challenge too, and what will persist is a chamber where the majority has the right to prevail, while the minority has the right to be heard."
State Rep. Nicole Collier, one of the Democratic members who fled the state to disrupt quorum and block voting on the proposed maps, was trapped in the statehouse as of Monday night because she declined to consent to a law enforcement escort, according to a statement from the Texas House Democratic Caucus.
Burrows outlined strict stipulations for the members who had disrupted quorum and returned.
On Monday morning, he stated that the “call of the House,” intended to secure a quorum by locking doors and compelling members to return, remained active. Burrows indicated that House members with civil arrest warrants for obstructing quorum would only be permitted to leave the House if they obtained written consent and agreed to be put under the supervision of a law enforcement officer who would ensure their return on Wednesday.
Collier expressed in a statement that she had rejected this condition and refused to be followed by law enforcement.
"I will not relinquish my dignity as an elected representative merely for Republicans to control my movements and monitor me with police escorts. My community is predominantly minority, and they expect me to advocate for their representation,” Collier stated.
Democrats assert that they intend to construct a "legal case against the discriminatory map." The new maps are widely anticipated to face lawsuits if they are approved by the legislature.
"We thwarted the corrupt special session, endured unprecedented surveillance and intimidation, and rallied Democrats nationwide to join this critical fight for fair representation — reshaping the entire landscape for 2026," Democratic Caucus chair state Rep. Gene Wu stated. "We are returning to Texas more formidable to the Republicans’ plans than when we departed."
At least one House Democrat, state Rep. Aicha Davis, mentioned in a statement on Monday that she would not support the restoration of a quorum.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
